I received a copy of this book from the PUBLISHER for the purposes of an honest review.

From the author’s website:

Sinners’ lead singer, Sed, had his heart shredded when Jessica left him to pursue her dreams,so when she dances her way back into his life, he’s not sure he’s ready for her brand of pain, or pleasure, again. When she convinces Sed to engage in a benefits with benefits relationship, things seem to be going his way, until one of his fans catches their explicit public display of affection on film and posts it all over the internet. Will Jessica ever trust Sed again? And has Sed become the man of Jessica’s dreams or is he just posing to get what he wants?

What B is talking about:

Jessica Chase has the brains to become a first-rate lawyer, but the body of the perfect pinup. Her heart still aches for the ex-fiancé she left behind when she had to choose between him and her career, and a chance meeting is about set her world on fire all over again.

Sed Lionheart has never gotten over Jessica leaving him like she did, and meaningless sex on the road with groupies can never fill the emptiness that remains. Once Jessica reenters his life, though, he is complete again, and he’ll risk everything for the chance to hold on to her forever.

Jumping right to the heart of the matter, break out the ice cubes. Or a high-powered fan. This novel solidly lives up to its genre. There’s sex. Lots and lots of sex. Sex indoors, out of doors, and even far above the city of Las Vegas. Never mind what happens literally under the table, and in the band’s tour bus. Sed and Jessica have a penchant for sex in public, and they indulge it as often as they can. Cunning has a great imagination, though, so each encounter stays erotic and edgy.

I did have a few issues with the story itself, mostly the length of time Jessica is subjected to the distrust and hatred for her breakup with Sed. While it’s true the rest of the band only had Sed’s version of their breakup to base their opinions on in her absence, I was ready for her to set the story straight much sooner. Sed’s firm belief in his own version of events made things much more difficult for Jessica than they needed to be. His continual depiction by others close to the band, as well as the other members, as a lovable teddy bear of a guy is a little irksome. Everything gets sorted out in time though, and Sed is forced to accept his role in the difficulties he experiences in his relationships.

Rock Hard doesn’t make excuses for, nor does it attempt to sanitize, the potential lifestyles of rockers on tour. Sed is a star, and after Jessica leaves him and his band becomes famous, he partakes of what’s offered. He doesn’t particularly enjoy his sexual escapades, of course, comparing each to what he had with Jessica, and being completely unsurprised when they don’t measure up. Jessica, likewise, has no illusions that he’s been waiting for her. She just chooses not to dwell on that part of his life, and sets new rules of faithfulness once they’re back together.

The love story was very sweet in the end, and one I enjoyed a lot. Cunning doesn’t try to turn the novel into an overly thought provoking analysis of modern romance. In fact, the deepest thing about Rock Hard is the penetration. But, it’s an incredibly sexy read with a well-earned happy ending. I’m very tempted to go pick up the first novel in the series, Backstage Pass, to learn more about all the guys in the band, and will be looking forward to what’s in store for the guys next.

B’s Rating:

Liked it a lot – recommend (B+)

GIVEAWAY: Sourcebooks has generously donated two (2) copies (two winners) of Rock Hard to giveaway here at That’s What I’m Talking About. Thank you to Sourcebooks (www.sourcebooks.com) for sponsoring the giveaway of Olivia Cunning’s latest book. To enter, please leave a comment and your email at the end of today’s review or tomorrow’s interview with author Olivia Cunning. Only one entry per person. Winners are restricted to US and Canada mailing addresses, only. Contest open from April 12, 2011 until Sunday April 17, 2011 at 9:00 PM EDT. Two (2) winners will be selected from the comment entries using random.org.

19 Responses to “Review & Giveaway: Rock Hard”

I have heard a lot of good things about this series and can’t wait to read it. There are books that will catch my eye and become must reads for me. Rock Hard is definately one of those books. Thanks for the giveaway.

I’ve seen this book reviewed in a few other places & Lily told me that I really need to read the first one like, really a lot (and I think I may have posted on another blog that Bells was the one that told me about it…. oops!). So I’m thinking that I probably need to read it, huh? 🙂

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Jen Twimom

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